The guild was no longer the same.
The laughter had faded.
The noise had quieted.
Everyone felt it.
Something was coming.
Something big.
Riven stood inside the main hall.
Looking around.
"…They all know…"
Adventurers whispered.
Prepared weapons.
Checked armor.
Fear was there.
But so was determination.
Godwin stood near the entrance.
Watching.
"…Good."
Riven glanced at him.
"…Good?"
Godwin nodded.
"…Fear keeps them alive."
A pause.
"…And determination makes them fight."
Silence.
Then—
The doors opened.
Three figures walked in.
Not enemies.
Different.
Strong.
Very strong.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"…Who are they…?"
Riven whispered.
Godwin didn't look surprised.
"…Allies."
The first stepped forward.
A tall man.
Calm expression.
Sharp eyes.
"…So this is the guild."
The second—
A woman.
Long hair.
Cold gaze.
"…Looks weaker than expected."
The third—
A younger man.
Relaxed.
But dangerous.
"…Still better than nothing."
Riven frowned.
"…Who invited them…?"
Godwin answered calmly.
"…I did."
Silence.
Riven looked at him.
"…You knew this was coming…"
Godwin didn't deny it.
"…Of course."
The first man stepped closer.
"…So you're the one who called us."
Godwin nodded.
"…You came."
"…We owed you."
A pause.
"…And this seems interesting."
The woman glanced at Riven.
"…Is this the successor?"
Riven felt the pressure.
But didn't flinch.
"…Yeah."
She narrowed her eyes.
"…He's still weak."
Riven clenched his fist—
But didn't react.
Godwin spoke calmly.
"…For now."
The third man laughed lightly.
"…That's what you said before."
A pause.
"…And look what happened."
Silence.
Riven looked between them.
"…You guys know him well…"
The first man nodded.
"…More than you think."
Godwin crossed his arms.
"…Enough talking."
A pause.
"…We don't have much time."
The atmosphere shifted.
Serious.
Focused.
"…They're coming."
Silence.
Everyone in the hall froze.
"…When?"
Godwin answered.
"…Soon."
A pause.
"…Very soon."
The woman stepped forward.
"…How many?"
Godwin looked ahead.
"…Enough to destroy this city."
Silence.
The weight of those words—
Hit everyone.
Hard.
Riven clenched his fist.
"…Then we don't let them."
The third man smirked.
"…I like him."
The first man nodded slightly.
"…He's got spirit."
Godwin looked at Riven.
"…Spirit isn't enough."
A pause.
"…But it's a start."
Silence.
Then—
Godwin turned to everyone.
"…Listen carefully."
The entire guild focused.
"…This isn't a normal battle."
A pause.
"…This is war."
The word echoed.
Heavy.
Real.
"…And if you're not ready…"
His eyes sharpened.
"…You die."
No one spoke.
Because everyone understood.
Hours passed.
Preparations began.
Weapons sharpened.
Armor reinforced.
Strategies discussed.
Positions assigned.
The guild—
Was preparing for survival.
Outside—
Riven stood alone.
Looking at the horizon.
"…War…"
It felt unreal.
But at the same time—
Inevitable.
Godwin stepped beside him.
"…Thinking too much?"
Riven shook his head.
"…No."
A pause.
"…Just getting ready."
Godwin nodded.
"…Good."
Silence.
Then—
Riven looked at him.
"…Those people…"
"…Are they strong?"
Godwin smirked faintly.
"…Yes."
A pause.
"…Strong enough to survive."
Riven exhaled slowly.
"…Then we might have a chance…"
Godwin looked at the sky.
"…Maybe."
Silence.
Far away—
The sky darkened slightly.
Not naturally.
But something—
Was approaching.
Fast.
"…They're here…"
Riven's body tensed.
"…Already…?"
Godwin nodded.
"…Get ready."
The wind stopped.
The world held its breath.
Because this time
They weren't watching.
They weren't testing.
They were coming to destroy.
To be continued…